Today we’d like to introduce you to Namia G. Vance.
Hi Namia G., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Waist Beads by Reign was created from a desire to help women reconnect with their bodies in a loving, intentional way. What started out as a hobby, quickly turned into a purpose-driven brand. I began creating waist beads not just as body-adornment, but as a symbol of confidence, femininity and empowerment. Especially for women who have been taught to shrink themselves or feel disconnected from their bodies.
As our brand grew, so did the community around it. Women began sharing how their waist beads helped them embrace their curves, made them feel sexy and beautiful without apology. As we enter our seventh year in business this February, Waist Beads by Reign continues to celebrate embracing our bodies without limits, reminding women (and a few fellas) that confidence begins within and femininity should be celebrated without approval!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small, woman, black-owned businesses, I’ve faced challenges such as balancing time, finances and sustainable growth in a space that can feel oversaturated at times, while staying true to the heart of the brand. There are moments of self-doubt, learning curves around marketing and visibility and the pressure of doing everything myself while building something meaningful. All our waist beads are handmade by me, so finding a team to assist with production remains a challenge.
However, those challenges are reminders that my brand is unique from others and forces me to be intentional, resilient and deeply connected to my “why”. Waist Beads by Reign isn’t just about selling a product, it’s about creating impact and a safe space for women to feel seen, celebrated and empowered. In addition, the community in Baltimore has been AMAZING and continues to show up and support our brand. I love my supporters BAD!
We’ve been impressed with Waist Beads by Reign, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Established in 2019, Waist Beads by Reign is a Baltimore-based, Black-owned brand dedicated to promoting body positivity and empowering women to embrace and love their bodies. We specialize in handcrafted waist beads that serve as powerful symbols of womanhood, spirituality and self-love.
We create meaningful body adornments rooted in an ancient African tradition that spans centuries. Our waist beads are used to celebrate various milestones and intentions, including.
• Spirituality and Healing: Connecting with ancestral spirits and personal growth.
• Femininity and Intimacy: Expressing sensuality and womanhood.
• Body Awareness: Serving as a mindful, non-scale tool for tracking weight loss or body shaping.
• Inclusivity: We believe beauty has no bounds; our beads are designed for women of all ages, sizes and backgrounds.
We pride our brand on artisanal craftsmanship, every strand is handmade using high-quality glass and plastic seed beads, eco-friendly materials. What truly sets us apart is the ability to customize every piece to reflect the customer’s unique style and intentions. We are most proud of our role in fostering a community where women feel seen and celebrated. We want our customers to know that wearing our beads is an intentional act of self-care. It is an invitation to step into their strength and embrace the “softness and magic” within every strand.
We are primarily an online-based business, with select products available for purchase at the Made in Baltimore Store located in the Inner Harbor. In addition, we participate in vending events throughout Baltimore City and beyond, including pop-up events at Towson Mall, local farmers markets and various cultural events.
We also offer Interactive Workshops, Girls’ Night Out experiences and Private Parties, providing intimate and engaging ways to connect, celebrate and create meaningful moments.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to continuously research and monitor industry trends, allowing for necessary strategic pivots. Also, to lead with integrity in customer service. Consistency and authenticity create a powerful impact on your customer base; people will remember how you made them feel. By staying anchored in your purpose, you can ignore the noise of comparison and rely on your vision and unique skills to be successful.
One of my greatest lessons has been the importance of community and I wish I’d known that asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness. You don’t have to carry the world alone and burnout is never a requirement for success. I’ve been incredibly lucky, many of my clients, now dear friends, have become my biggest supporters, offering everything from event assistance to new vending leads. So, give yourself some grace and celebrate every small win. In a world of noise, your unique story and purpose are your brand’s most valuable assets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waistbeadsbyreign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waist_beads_by_reign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaistBeadsbyReign/
- Other: https://madeinbaltimore.org/member/waist-beads-by-reign-llc/
